News

Cameron challenged by Miliband on poverty and rise in use of food banks

Date Posted: 19/12/2012 17:19:24

David Cameron has admitted the government needs to do more to help those struggling to make ends meet amid evidence of people's increasing reliance on food banks to avoid going hungry.

The prime minister highlighted measures to help those with low incomes after the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, seized on what he claimed was a six-fold increase in the number of people who have been relying on food banks over the past three years, including many in work.

The Children's Society last week reported that two-thirds of teachers knew of staff providing pupils with food or money to prevent hunger, Miliband said. He added: "Why do you think it's happening and why does it appear to be getting worse on your watch?"